Bolivia: Annan urges calm during upcoming referendum on hydrocarbons law

As Bolivians gear up for Sunday's watershed referendum on the country's natural resources, United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today urged calm and pledged the world body's help in resolving disputes there.

Bolivian President Carlos Mesa has staked his administration on the measure, which concerns the annulling of the national hydrocarbons law as well as the key principles for future management of the gas sector.

Bolivia's hydrocarbons industry was essentially privatized in the mid-1990s, and a "yes" vote would, among other measures, reinstate the now-defunct State-owned company.

"The Secretary-General considers that the upcoming referendum gives Bolivians the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process on an issue that is important to their country's development," a UN spokesman said in a statement.

Through the spokesman, Mr. Annan urged all Bolivians "to maintain a peaceful and constructive attitude during the coming days."

The UN will continue to be engaged in supporting all Bolivians in the search for peaceful and democratic solutions to the problems in their country, he pledged.